Ivor Novello's brilliant musical play "The Dancing Years" which premiered
in 1939 at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane in London and enjoyed a long and
very successful career in England, but never crossed the Atlantic, has
finally come to North Carolina. It is being presented by Tryon Little
Theater at the Tryon Fine Arts Center and runs from February 24th to February
27th, inclusively.
"The Dancing Years" is being directed by Christine Fitch, who was born
in England and lived there for most of her life. Christine was brought
up with the music of Ivor Novello which she sang frequently. She is a professional
actress, singer and director, with a long career in the theatre, who came
to America in 1977 with her husband - Broadway singing star Stephen Douglass.
She has always wanted to introduce the American audiences to the beautiful
music and shows of Ivor Novello.
Ticket prices are $18 adults and $15 students. Visa and Mastercard credit cards are accepted. Performance times are Thurs. through Sat. 8 pm. Sunday matinee 3 pm. If you want to know about Tryon there is a website available. It is a beautiful small town with glorious mountain scenery that is on the border between North and South Carolina. Nearest airports are either Greenville/Spartanburg, SC or Asheville, NC. |
This last summer Christine Fitch wrote and directed "The Romantic World
of Ivor Novello" which was presented at the Tryon Fine Arts Center.
"The audience response to Novello's gorgeous music was wonderful", says
Christine. "I am very excited about this production. The cast
is very special. Although they are amateur performers, the talent is far
from amateur and I am very proud of them." The role of Rudi Kleber,
originally played by Novello, himself, will be played by Charlie Hunnicutt
from Hendersonville, NC, and Maria Zeigler by Cathy Siarris from Spartanburg,
SC. Grete Schone will be played by Amy Walker of Mill Spring, NC.
Also making a guest appearance in this production is Jason Pimblett from
England. Jason is the musical advisor for the Ivor Novello Information
Bureau in England and an international tenor who sings with the D'Oyley
Carte Opera Company in England and two opera companies in Germany.
To fans of Novello in America this is a wonderful opportunity to see one
of his best musical plays performed live. Anyone interested in attending
this production may write to: